Though one of the most common skin concerns, acne is surrounded by myths that prevent effective treatment. Discussing acne problems and myths openly is crucial to avoiding repeated flare-ups. Dr. Neha Khuraana, South Delhi’s leading dermatologist, busts myths about acne and reveals the scientific truth behind these misconceptions to ensure proper care.

Myth 1 – Eating oily foods leads to acne problems

Fact 1 – The actual link that exists between our diet and acne is ruled by a complex mechanism, but no direct correlation. When your diet is overpowered by sugary foods, refined grains and excessive full-fat dairy products, there are high chances of acne problems getting worse. The mechanism of action behind this is the increase of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) that causes excessive sebum production, which in turn clogs the skin pores and results in acne. So basically a diet possessing high glycemic index (GI), and not just oily foods, is linked with severity of acne.

Myth 2 – Acne is a skin concern faced by teenagers alone.

Fact 2 – Acne is something that affects people of all ages, including adults too. Adult women are one of the most common hosts of acne and the causative factors lying behind this include excessive stress or anxiety, hormonal changes such as menopause or menstrual cycle fluctuations, certain health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) etc. There has been scientific evidence to support it that at least 12 percent of women continue to face acne upto the age of 40 or even beyond.

Myth 3 – Pop your pimples to get rid of them quickly.

Fact 3 – This is one of the biggest myths that if you pop your pimples, they will heal. But this is not actually true as it pushes bacteria deeper into the skin, leading to more inflammation and scarring. The scarring can get permanent and acne’s healing also gets delayed.

Myth 4 – Application of makeup leads to acne.

Fact 4 – If you possess acne-prone or sensitive skin and apply makeup products that are non-comedogenic and non-oily, there are very little chances of you developing acne. Choice of the products matters here as the products that are greasy and pore-clogging tend to cause breakouts. Another point that makes makeup lead to acne is improper removal of it and sleeping with makeup on face. Using products enriched with salicylic acid further becomes beneficial for acne prone skin.

Myth 5 – The only reason for acne is hormonal disturbances.

Fact 5 – Though this is not denied that hormonal imbalances lead to acne, there are other reasons too that trigger acne such as certain drugs namely corticosteroids, stress, hereditary factors etc. Stress raises the body’s levels of cortisol, thus triggering acne. So hormones are only one cause of acne, but there are other factors responsible too!

Myth 6 – Only natural remedies are needed to treat acne.

Fact 6 – Not all remedies are beneficial as certain DIY masks or hacks can irritate the skin and trigger inflammation. Certain remedies such as using lemon juice, baking soda etc. on the skin are extremely damaging and lead to skin irritation. The gold standard treatment for acne is active ingredient usage such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids etc. So for treatment if active acne, it is best advisable to consult a dermatologist rather than investing in home based remedies.

Myth 7 – Acne will go away on its own.

Fact 7 – Any sort of acne definitely needs dermatologist guidance as if left untreated, it may end up in skin pigmentation and scarring. This is especially true for medium to severe acne. A well trained dermatologist may suggest a few lifestyle changes, topical creams and certain non-invasive treatments after analysing your skin. Acne management is also crucial due to its psychological impact such as anxiety, depression etc.

Conclusion

Acne is a vast subject of concern and more awareness is needed regarding it due to various myths and misconceptions surrounding it. Using science backed treatments as suggested by a well trained dermatologist works the best, rather than taking the treatment in your own hands. This includes cleansing your skin gently, using non-comedogenic products, protecting your skin from the sun, and incorporating active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids under professional supervision.

Dr. Neha Khurana, a renowned dermatologist, specializes in treating acne and other skin concerns with a scientific, tailored approach. With years of expertise and a deep understanding of skincare science, Dr. Neha combines advanced dermatological treatments with lifestyle guidance to help you achieve clear and healthy skin. Whether you’re dealing with teenage acne, adult-onset breakouts, or acne scars, Dr. Neha can create a treatment plan designed specifically for you.

Don’t let myths about acne dictate how you care for your skin. Take the first step toward healthier, clearer skin by booking a consultation with Dr. Neha Khurana today. Your skin deserves the best care—guided by science, not misconceptions.